In collaboration with departments across Cal State Channel Islands, Community & Government Relations coordinates the University's engagement with Tribal Nations and Native American communities. Our work is grounded in respect for Tribal sovereignty, meaningful consultation, transparency, and sustained relationship-building.
Community & Government Relationships can provide central coordination, guidance, and referal to subject-matter expertise concerning the University's responsibilities and commitements related to:
- Government-to-government consultation and engagement with Tribal Nations;
- The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA), and related CSU policies;
- The protection of cultural resources and culturally sensitive places;
- CSUCI's Active Land Acknowledgement and Protocols; and
- Campus practices that promote respect for Tribal sovereignty, cultural knowledge, and living Native communities.
Community & Government Relations serves as a central point of coordination among Tribal representatives, University leadership, campus departments, government agencies, and other partners. We also assist members of the campus community in identifying appropriate protocols, consultation requirements, and University resources when proposed activities may affect Tribal interests, Native American cultural resources, or culturally sensitive matters.
CSUCI is located on the traditional homelands of the Chumash people. The University recognizes that acknowledgement alone is not enough. Meaningful tribal relations require consistent action, accountability, humility, and respect over time.
Our Approach
CSUCI approaches tribal relations through the following commitments:
Respect for Tribal Sovereignty
Tribal Nations are sovereign political entities. The University recognizes that formal consultation with Tribal Nations is a government-to-government responsibility, distinct from general community outreach or stakeholder engagement.
Meaningful Consultation
Consultation must provide Tribal Nations with a meaningful and timely opportunity to share information, raise concerns, and inform University decisions that may affect Tribal interests, cultural resources, or ancestral lands.
Respect for Cultural Knowledge
The University recognizes that Tribal Nations determine how their histories, cultural practices, traditional knowledge, and culturally sensitive information should be shared and protected.
Accountability and Transparency
CSUCI is committed to communicating openly about its responsibilities, following through on commitments, and maintaining appropriate records of consultation and repatriation activities while protecting confidential information.
Sustained Relationships
Tribal engagement is not limited to a particular project, legal requirement, or campus event. CSUCI seeks to build relationships that continue over time and are rooted in mutual respect.